Abstract

Zambia is experiencing one of the most critical energy crises in its post-independence history. Despite abundant renewable energy resources, including hydro, solar, wind, and biomass, energy access remains heavily centralized, inequitable, and unreliable. Over 60% of the Zambian population, mostly in rural areas, remains unconnected to the national grid. This persistent energy poverty continues to undermine socio-economic development, industrial growth, and agricultural productivity. Drawing lessons from China’s remarkable rural electrification journey and power sector reforms, this study examines how decentralized renewable energy solutions could be adapted to Zambia’s context. China’s systematic transition from a state-controlled monopoly to a decentralized, multi-stakeholder power market provides a compelling case for Zambia’s transition. Using a comparative analytical framework, this paper explores regulatory reforms, governance restructuring, financing mechanisms, and technological innovations that underpinned China’s success and maps out a similar roadmap for Zambia. The findings advocate for a hybrid decentralized model built around solar mini-grids, small hydro, and community cooperatives, integrated within a national policy on distributed energy. Implementing this strategy can accelerate Zambia’s progress toward universal energy access, rural industrialization, and sustainable carbon reduction.

Keywords

Rural electrification, decentralized energy, energy poverty, power sector reform, renewable energy, microgrids, sustainable development, policy transition